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How to Choose a Good Breeder

What To Look For In a Good Australian Shepherd Breeder

Let me start by saying I
have been a lover, rescuer and breeder of Australian Shepherds
for 18 years.

How to choose a good Australian Shepherd breeder? The main thing when looking for
a good breeder is, What the breeder’s goal is for their
breeding program?

What do I mean by breeding program? I mean,
are they breeding dogs who’s genetics and temperament are
better suited for herding, obedience or the show ring (Conformation)?

Many breeders look to breed dogs that will excel in whatever
the breeders interest lies. A breeder who primarily breeds dogs
for herding will breed to reinforce those traits. That is great
but be aware for the average pet owner, this dog may have more
energy than they bargained for.

Choose a good breeder and give yourself the best chance at getting a healthy puppy.

A breeder who breeds for conformation, may be relatively uninterested
in strong herding instincts, but more on structure and looks.
This is fine as well, and will produce, in general, a more managable
dog for tighter quarters. Finally, a breeder who breeds for versatility
will usually produce the best of both worlds. All Aussies are
energetic and fun loving. It’s just a matter of degree.

The reason this is important to you as a prospective puppy buyer
is that your dog should be suited with your lifestyle. If you
live in the country or on a farm, then buying an Aussie that comes
from primarily a herding background makes sense. These puppies
will have lots of energy and be rearing to go. If however, you
live in a city apartment, buying a puppy from a breeder who breeds
for temperament and companionship is more for you.

Failing to buy an Aussie puppy matched to your temperament
and lifestyle will only lead to heartache and an unhappy match. Trying to keep an Aussie in a city apartment, that has all herding
genetics in its’ background, would be like trying to keep
a racehorse in your garage! Next stop for the dog and owner is Aussie Rescue!

Regardless of the Australian Shepherd breeders reason for breeding, all Aussies should
conform to breed standards, and be cleared through testing. Aussies
tend to have eye problems, hip displasia, and siezures. The puppies
should be well socialized.

Even if they are only interested in breeding working dogs, they
need to have their breeding stock cleared for genetic problems,
and should be able to show you the clearance certificates. Good Australian Shepherd breeders
should also be able to show you Aussies from past breedings. Ask
if they know of any potential genetic qualities their breeding
Aussies pass on to their offspring, i.e. personalities, hip problems,
eye problems, seizures, nipping, level of energy, socialization
problems, reaction to kids, cats other dogs, etc.

When I look at doing a potential breeding, my main goals
are;

To improve on the genetics that I already have to work with,
and

Breed a dog who will be well rounded. Well rounded means that
they are easily capable of excelling at herding, agility or
the show ring.

Listed below are several things that make a good Australian Shepherd breeder. (order
of preference makes the priority list change for each individual
looking for a puppy).

The Parents of the puppies. Try and see for
yourself, both the male and the female who produced the puppies.
Look for temperment, personality, behavior towards strangers
and of course their looks (markings & color). This will
be up to each individual as to what they like, whether or not
they like tan points and white markings, blue eyes, short and
stocky or tall and lean, but most importantly you should be
able to pet the parents and interact with them.

Are the facilities clean where the dogs and
puppies are kept. Are they in a controlled environment, by that
I mean are the parents inside or outside, in a fenced area or
running loose. Are the puppies in a clean pen or are they also
running loose in the yard. I am talking about most of the time
where are the dogs and puppies kept.

The Breeder. Is the Australian Shepherd breeder knowledgable about the
breed. Are they honest with what they are telling you
about the Parents and the puppies. You won’t know this
unless you have researched the breed.

What guarantees does the breeder give you on your
new puppy. This means health, which includes overall
general health of the puppy, genetic health of the parents.
Shots & worming given. Please make sure the puppy has had
2 sets of shots by age 8-9weeks old. The puppies should have
been wormed at least 3 times before 8-9 weeks old.

Get these guarantees in writing and signed
by you and the Breeder.

Get all shot records/pedigrees/registration papers
and any medical records in hand at the time of purchase. If not ask if you can see the parents registration papers, Genetic
clearances and pedigrees if you don’t get them in a folder
or packet when you purchase your puppy.

If you don’t know what to look for in an Aussie puppy as
to price, color, genetics and possible registries your puppy is
eligible for, there are great sites on the web for this. Research,
research, research... I can’t stress this enough.

Not only will you know if an Aussie is right for you, but you
will get a good picture of what to expect from your new Aussie
puppy.

Good Luck with your search for very good Australian Shepherd breeders.
If you have questions... ask me anything at anytime.

Do you know the difference between Exercise Induced Collapse and Border Collie Collapse, which can also affect Aussies?

Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See the Disclosure page for more information. Thank you!

Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See the Disclosure page for more information. Thank you!